Soldier charged with terror offence

A British soldier has been charged with terrorism and explosives offences over allegations that he made an improvised bomb and had a copy of bomb-making manual The Anarchist Cookbook.

Ryan McGee, 19, from 5th Battalion the Rifles, has been charged with making explosives, contrary to section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883 and possession of a document or record for terrorist purposes, contrary to section 58(1)(b) of the Terrorism Act 2000, Greater Manchester Police said.

McGee, of Mellor Street, Eccles, Salford, was detained at an Army base in Paderborn, Germany, late last year, after a suspicious device was found at an address on Mellor Street in November.

He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' court next Wednesday.

Jane Stansfield, of the Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division, said: " It is alleged that between May 31 2012 and November 29 2013, Ryan Adam McGee had possession of a document or record for terrorist purposes, namely a copy of The Anarchist Cookbook.

"He has been charged with one offence contrary to Section 58(1)(b) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

"It is also alleged that Ryan Adam McGee, between September 1 and 30 2013 made an improvised explosive and has therefore also been charged with one offence contrary to Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

"This decision to prosecute was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest."

The Anarchist Cookbook, first published in 1971, contains instructions for the manufacture of explosives as well as for home manufacturing of illicit drugs.

An army spokesman said: "We are aware Rifleman McGee has been charged today.

"We have assisted Greater Manchester Police with their investigation and as the case continues it would be inappropriate to comment further."